I have just Purchsed 2001 (Y Reg) Mondeo LD TD Di. 144k on the clock. Its had little use of the last few months and has no service record since 75K. (Dont worry I bought it cheap)..

When the steering is moved slightly out of the neutral (wheels facing front) position it feels like its grinding slightly, and the steering is realitively stiff. There is also a slight knock from the front end (not from the engine) during transit. The girnding/bumpy feeling through the steering only seems to exist in the neutral position

Is this a simple greasing issue or coulkd it be something a little more serious ?